A screenshot of Black Myth: Wukong, China's first blockbuster 3A game. [Photo/Game Science]

With an average of 20 new online games produced each month, Hangzhou – capital of East China's Zhejiang province – is fast emerging as a major hub for China's gaming industry, local media outlets reported.

In January alone, some 14 Hangzhou-developed games secured publishing licenses, on top of the city's annual total of over 250 titles issued in 2024.

The city is already home to rising stars like Black Myth: Wukong, which was highlighted in Zhejiang's government report and a growing ecosystem of games studios.

Entrepreneurs cite Hangzhou's talent pool, business-friendly environment and dynamic culture as key reasons for relocating.

While traditional gaming giants remain concentrated in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Hangzhou's rapid growth signals its potential as a new industry powerhouse.

The city is focusing on diversification, with policies supporting digital content exports, esports and game-related IP ventures.

With its booming industry and government backing, could Hangzhou become China's next gaming capital? The momentum is certainly building.

Players costumed as games characters attend an esports challenge organized by Electronic Soul, a Hangzhou-based games company. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]